What’s in our bags? We’re sharing a little peak at what we actually carry in our purses. There’s something subtly revealing about the bag you carry every day. It’s a little snapshot of who you are right now. For women over 50, what’s inside often reflects a life that’s fuller, wiser, and a lot more intentional than it used to be (no pacifiers here!). We’ve learned what we actually use (hello reading glasses!), what brings comfort, and what small luxuries are worth carrying along. This isn’t about trends or showing off, we’re too practical for that now. Here’s a peek inside our bags, and the everyday essentials that make our days (and errands) run a bit more smoothly.
Note: You loved this post in 2024 and 2025, so we’ve updated it for 2026 with all new links and fresh ideas!
Our Everyday Bags
CHRISTA : My go-to everyday bag is the Think Royln “Little Runaway” crossbody/fanny pack. It comes with two straps so you can wear it either way, but crossbody is my personal fave. It’s the perfect in-between size: roomy enough to hold all the essentials while I’m out and about, without being too small like lots of small crossbodies can be.
MEGAN : Currently loving this “practice” Hermes lady bag. Purses are my jam but before buying a $$$$ purse, I want to try it out and see if I actually love it or just love the idea of it. The leather on this bag is amazing, since it doesn’t have a zipper on top it comes with a detachable canvas and leather pouch inside to keep your essentials safe. She also comes with a crossbody strap which is always handy.
What’s in Megan’s Everyday Bag
I bought this purse because I love the look of the Hermes bags, but they aren’t in my budget. I also saw a Reel on IG from an NYC personal shopper (also over 50) that had the same “look for less” purse. It’s no secret, I am the “Mary Poppins” of the Style Among Friends duo. You just never know when you’re going to need a Pepcid, six lipsticks, 4 pairs of readers, a book, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, gum, 2 pens, earbuds and who knows what else. This purse holds it all.
EVERYTHING IN MEGAN’S BAG:
- Kate Spade clear/gold phone case – looks great on my new blue phone!
- Tassel key chain is easy to find in the bottom of my bag.
- Long time favorite sunnies and readers.
- I know you’re shocked I use this teeny tiny card case instead of a wallet.
- Noise cancelling earbuds because you never know when you’ll need them (aka the dentist).
- Small notebook and my new favorite fancy pens for style notes, grocery list or things to remember.
- Current favorite lipstick and lip gloss combo.
- Hand sanitizer, eye drops, tissues and a pocket pharmacy – I’m ready for anything.
- A cute leopard pouch to corral all my stuff.
- at any given time there is so much more: tweezers, mini scissors, a measuring tape, water bottle, band aids, hand lotion, a book…
What’s in Christa’s Everyday Bag
I use the Think Royln “Little Runaway” crossbody almost every day. The size is just right for my essentials, and the quilted exterior with the glossy black finish adds a fun, fashionable pop to even the simplest outfit. There’s an extra exterior zip pocket that makes grabbing my phone easy, and yes, it fits my iPhone 17 Pro Max with room to spare.
The “Little Runaway” is currently on sale on the Think Royln site. Only $39.90 for the white or pearl silver colors.
One of my favorite features is the versatility. It comes with two straps, so you can wear it as a classic crossbody or switch it up and wear it as a fanny pack. I recently used it as my park bag on a Disney trip, and it was absolutely perfect: hands-free, lightweight, and easy to wear all day. It’s a great travel bag, plus a great everyday bag!
EVERYTHING IN CHRISTA’S BAG:
- Phone (case from Burga with a Magsafe PopSocket)
- Card case wallet
- Amazon Readers
- DIFF Ariana Sunglasses
- Tocca Mini Hand Cream (“Lucia”)
- Touchland Hand Sanitizer (in this little case)
- Bobbi Brown Extra Tinted Lip Balm
- Apple AirTag – you never know!
- Key, pen, an extra hair tie and clips, and epi pens
Yes, it all fits in there!
What Didn’t Make the Cut in Our Bags
CHRISTA : Carrying a smaller bag keeps me honest. No three identical lipsticks rolling around, and definitely no old receipts hiding at the bottom. I keep my wallet streamlined too, with just the essentials, because that’s all the space I’ve got. I think that’s why I love a small bag so much. It gently forces you to be thoughtful about what you carry and somehow stay organized without even trying.
MEGAN : At this point we have clearly established that EVERYTHING makes the cut in my bag. There is no item that I’m down sizing, ditching or simplifying.
The Runner-Ups from Our Bag Collections
CHRISTA : I am downsizing my entire bag collection after purchasing the Gucci Marmont crossbody this winter. It’s all I want to carry now! I haven’t been able to bring myself to carry her for every day just yet (she’s too special), but I love her for every occasion. It was a big decision for me, but this bag is so versatile and just the right size, which makes it worth it in my book. (And here is a link to find a gently used version for half the price.)
A few tips: If you are considering an investment bag, start by visiting the store. Ask the salesperson all your questions and make sure all your stuff fits comfortably in it. I literally emptied the packing materials from the bag at the sales counter and put in all my everyday items to make sure they fit! See how the bag feels and functions. Do you like the zipper style/location? Are there enough interior pockets? Does your phone have place for easy access? Can you adjust the strap to a comfortable length? How is the leather? (btw…the leather on this one is SO SOFT and AHHHH.MAZING!)
MEGAN : Truth is I never met a bag I didn’t love and need. I have an extensive tote bag collection, make up bags, clutch bags, shoulder bags — all in a variety of colors and textures. I’ll share a few of my favorite, most used bags.
- Favorite clutch/evening bag: Quince Italian Leather Pouch
- Best tote bag: MZ Wallace Metro Tote (medium or large)
- Travel purse: Prada Re-nylon Crossbody – i bought mine in the mid 90s and I’m still using it.
- Make up bag: Amazon Open Flat toiletry bag – brought to the last favorite things party I went to.
- Honorable Mention because it is the most versatile bag and fits any category: Longchamp Le Pliage
What’s in YOUR bag?
Now we want to hear from you. Are you more of a Christa bag or a Megan bag? Do you keep things pared back, or do you like to be ready for anything? Tell us in the comments the one item you always carry and would never leave home without.
Looking for more? Check out The 6 Travel Bags That Work Wherever You’re Going. We’ve updated all the links for 2026!
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